Nets Announce Kyrie Irving's Updated Injury Status vs. Wizards
The biggest question heading into Saturday's game against the Washington Wizards was whether guard Kyrie Irving would suit up for the Brooklyn Nets.
After being left off Friday's injury report, the Nets have downgraded Irving to out with right calf soreness. There is no update on whether Irving will be on the bench during the contest.
The late scratch comes one day after the Nets guard requested to be traded ahead of the Feb. 9 NBA Trade Deadline. The team and Irving have been negotiating a long-term contract for the last few weeks, and we're unable to agree on an extension.
According to reports, the contract Brooklyn offered the eight-time All-Star was filled with stipulations. The contract was "not received well" by Irving and his camp.
Irving, who has maintained an interest in being dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers to reunite with his former superstar teammate LeBron James, is also drawing interest from the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and the Miami Heat. It is likely Brooklyn will attach an additional player to a trade if Irving is dealt before the NBA Trade Deadline.
Outside of Irving, Brooklyn has also downgraded Ben Simmons (left knee soreness) to out vs. the Wizards. The injury absence will mark Simmon's fourth-straight game he'll miss due to soreness.
There is no concern that the point forward's injury is a long-term thing. Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn stated that the team is taking a cautious approach and won't clear him until the soreness and swelling are gone from his right knee.
“With Ben, we are just cautious with our approach," Vaughn told reporters in a virtual meeting Friday morning. "At the end of the day, we are just talking about having guys healthy at the end of the year. Ben did experience some soreness and we want to make sure that soreness and swelling are out of there as he gets ready to get back on the court."
Brooklyn has listed veteran wing T.J. Warren (left shin contusion) as doubtful for Saturday's game.
